The cancer cells in an inflammatory breast have spread to nearby lymph nodes by the time the cancer symptoms show up. This type of breast cancer is particularly dangerous because it can spread quickly and may spread to distant locations, including lymph nodes in the neck and armpits. However, it is important to note that while the statistics for this type of cancer are low, treatments have improved considerably in the past few years.
Inflammatory breast cancer is classified into two types, depending on its stage. Patients with early IBC have a good prognosis, whereas those with advanced IBC have poorer outcomes. The first type of IBC, or Stage IIIB, does not spread to lymph nodes. The second type, called Stage IV, must be diagnosed by a physician specializing in this type of cancer. While there is no single method of diagnosing and treating this type of cancer, it can be treated with a multidisciplinary approach.
Inflammatory breast cancers can develop anywhere in the breast, but the most common location is in the ducts that carry milk. This type of cancer has a higher prevalence among women in their 40s and 50s, and men tend to develop the disease later in life. It is important to remember that inflammatory breast cancer symptoms may indicate other types of breast cancer or other medical conditions. So, women with any of these symptoms should visit a physician immediately.
Early detection is key to the prevention of this disease, because women with IBC are diagnosed at younger ages than women with other forms of breast cancer. Women with this form of IBC are at a greater risk for developing it, as it is usually hormone-negative. Hormone therapy cannot be used to treat IBC because it interferes with the proliferation of cancer cells fueled by oestrogen. It is also possible for men to develop this type of breast cancer, though it is rare in this setting.
The most effective treatment for inflammatory breast cancer is a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and a mastectomy. The surgery removes the tumor, while the chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and proton therapy improve the survival rate. Because the disease is rare and difficult to treat, it is vital that patients with this type of breast cancer find a reputable treatment center with a high survival rate. Treatment is important, but it should be completed quickly and safely.
Inflammatory breast cancer is not common, but the symptoms are similar to those of other types of breast cancer. Cancer cells in the breast surface block lymph arteries, making the symptoms more visible. An inflammatory breast cancer often takes only a few weeks to progress to stage III or stage IV. It is also rare in men, but it is best to seek treatment from an oncologist immediately. The survival rate for inflammatory breast cancer is only 40% compared to 90% for other types of breast cancer.
